Sunday, April 14, 2019

Parts Separation from Aircraft: Cub Crafters CCX-2000, N116PM; accident occurred July 31, 2018 at Bend Municipal Airport (KBDN), Deschutes County, Oregon

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Portland, Oregon

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

http://registry.faa.gov/N116PM

Location: Bend, OR
Accident Number: GAA18CA459
Date & Time: 07/31/2018, 1330 PDT
Registration: N116PM
Aircraft: HERZOG AVIATION CCX-2000
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Part(s) separation from AC
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped, experimental, amateur-built airplane reported that, during the landing roll at his home airport, the left main landing gear (MLG) wheel exited the asphalt runway and entered gravel that bordered the runway. The pilot applied right rudder to steer the airplane back onto the runway, but at the point where the left MLG tire contacted the asphalt runway, the left MLG collapsed. The left wing struck the ground, and the airplane came to rest on the runway.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar and aileron.

The pilot reported that the left MLG shock absorber shaft had sheared off at the lock nut attached to the rod end, which he believed resulted in the left MLG collapsing. However, photographs provided by Federal Aviation Administration air safety inspectors revealed that the left MLG failed inward and underneath the fuselage of the airplane. Additionally, the photographs revealed ground scars on the asphalt runway from the left wing that could be traced from the runway centerline, about 90° back to that of the runway heading. Further, photographs revealed that the airplane was equipped with tundra tires, which would have put a lot of stress on the landing gear. The evidence indicates that the left MLG collapsed when the pilot attempted to steer the airplane back onto the runway.

The METAR at the airport reported that the wind about the time of the accident was variable at 3 knots, gusting to 12 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 16. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and the subsequent collapse of the left main landing gear when he attempted to steer the airplane back onto the runway. 

Findings

Aircraft
Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)
Main landing gear - Failure (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-landing roll
Loss of control on ground

Attempted remediation/recovery

According to the pilot, he had taken delivery of a tailwheel-equipped, experimental, amateur-built airplane at his home airport. After a 1-hour flight to return the ferry pilot to his departure airport, the pilot flew 1.2-hours with a flight instructor. After dropping off the instructor, he flew the 1-hour return flight to his home airport.

He reported that during the landing roll at his home airport, the left main landing gear wheel exited the asphalt runway and entered gravel that bordered the runway. The pilot applied right rudder to steer the airplane back on to the runway, but the landing gear tire contacted the asphalt runway and the left main landing gear failed. The left wing struck the ground and the airplane came to rest on the runway.

The pilot reported the occurrence of a mechanical failure of the left landing gear shock absorber shaft that had sheared off at the lock nut attached to the rod end.

However, photographs provided by Federal Aviation Administration Air Safety Inspectors revealed that the left main landing gear failed inward and underneath the fuselage of the airplane. Additionally, the photographs revealed ground scars on the asphalt runway from the left wing that can be traced from the runway centerline, about 90° back to that of the runway heading. Furthermore, photographs revealed that the airplane was equipped with tundra tires.

The METAR at the accident airport had reported that the wind about the time of the accident, was variable at 3 knots and gusting to 12 knots. The pilot landed on runway 16.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar and aileron.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 75, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 07/16/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/27/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 2044 hours (Total, all aircraft), 4 hours (Total, this make and model), 2044 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 35 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 22 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: HERZOG AVIATION
Registration: N116PM
Model/Series: CCX-2000
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2018
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: CCX-2000-0025
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/03/2018,
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2000 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 44.6 Hours
Engine Manufacturer: Cub Crafter
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: CC363i
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 186 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KBDN, 3462 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2035 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 20°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 9 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Light and Variable / 12 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: Variable
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.05 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 33°C / 6°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Bend, OR (BDN)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Bend, OR (BDN)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1221 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Bend Muni (BDN)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 3459 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 16
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5200 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing:  Full Stop; Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 44.094444, -121.200278 (est)

Abnormal Runway Contact: Van's Aircraft RV-6, N24CM, accident occurred July 28, 2018 at Pickens County Airport (KLQK), Liberty, South Carolina

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; West Columbia, South Carolina

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

http://registry.faa.gov/N24CM


Location: Pickens, SC
Accident Number: GAA18CA451
Date & Time: 07/28/2018, 1100 EDT
Registration: N24CM
Aircraft: Vans RV 6
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Abnormal runway contact
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis 

According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped, experimental, amateur-built airplane, he had practiced two takeoffs and landings and then decided to refuel the airplane. After refueling the airplane, he flew one more pattern before flying to his home airport. The pilot stated that, during the landing flare, the airplane "seemed as if it was being pushed down." The left wing struck the runway, the airplane landed on the right main landing gear, and the airplane then bounced. The propeller struck the ground, and the airplane exited the right side of the runway and then stopped.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar.

The METAR at the airport about the time of the accident reported that the wind was calm.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing.

Findings

Aircraft
Landing flare - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-flare/touchdown
Loss of control in flight
Abnormal runway contact (Defining event)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Runway excursion

Pilot Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age:71, Male 
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 12/12/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 12/20/2016
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 752 hours (Total, all aircraft), 48 hours (Total, this make and model), 750 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 6.4 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 2.3 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Vans
Registration: N24CM
Model/Series: RV 6 Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1994
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 20835
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/21/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1750 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1658.7 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320-D1A
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 160 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KLQK, 1014 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1515 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 18°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.09 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C / 21°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Asheville, NC (AVL)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Asheville, NC (AVL)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1000 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Pickens County (LQK)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 1013 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 05
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5002 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude:  34.810000, -82.702778 (est)

Loss of Control on Ground: Cessna 152, N152LT; accident occurred July 27, 2018 at AJ Eisenberg Airport (KOKH), Oak Harbor, Island County, Washington

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Seattle

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

http://registry.faa.gov/N152LT

Location: Oak Harbor, WA
Accident Number: GAA18CA461
Date & Time: 07/27/2018, 1130 PDT
Registration: N152LT
Aircraft: Cessna 152
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional 

Analysis 

According to the student pilot, his first solo flight was conducted at an airport that he was not familiar with and he was "very nervous." Although his flight instructor had a hand-held two-way radio to communicate with the student, the instructor's two-way radio malfunctioned, and the student was not able to communicate with the instructor during the flight in the traffic pattern.

On final, the student noticed that the airplane was "getting too low, too fast and I added power." When he felt the landing was assured, he reduced the power, and the airplane bounced. He added that the airplane bounced again and, "I knew something was up but at the moment I froze." The nose landing gear wheel struck the runway hard and separated from the airplane, and it then skidded to a stop.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mounts and the right wing.

The instructor reported that the accident could have been prevented if he had provided more training to address the changes in performance given that he weighed 235 lbs and that he was not occupying the right front seat during the solo flight.

The student reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing.

Findings

Aircraft
Landing flare - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Student pilot (Cause)
Anxiety/panic - Student pilot

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-flare/touchdown
Miscellaneous/other
Abnormal runway contact
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Part(s) separation from AC

Pilot Information

Certificate: Student
Age: 16, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/30/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 13 hours (Total, all aircraft), 13 hours (Total, this make and model)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N152LT
Model/Series: 152 No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1981
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Utility
Serial Number: 15285262
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/17/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1669 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 14057 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT:  C91  installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-235-L2C
Registered Owner: Morcom Aviation Services Inc Dba
Rated Power: 110 hp
Operator: Regal Air
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot School (141); On-demand Air Taxi (135)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KOKH, 194 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1856 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 111°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 500 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 280°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.07 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / 11°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Oak Harbor, WA (OKH)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Oak Harbor, WA (OKH)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1125 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: AJ EISENBERG (OKH)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 193 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry; Rough
Runway Used: 25
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3265 ft / 25 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 48.251667, -122.673611 (est)

Nose Over: Cessna 140, N1902V, accident occurred July 26, 2018 at Healdsburg Municipal Airport (KHES), Sonoma County, California

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Oakland, California

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

http://registry.faa.gov/N1902V

Location: Healdsburg, CA
Accident Number: GAA18CA455
Date & Time: 07/26/2018, 1100 PDT
Registration: N1902V
Aircraft: Cessna 140
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Nose over/nose down
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis 

According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, he had performed two previous touch-and-go takeoffs and landings. During the third landing roll, the tailwheel settled on the runway, and then the airplane nosed over. He reported that he was “not certain whether I accidentally stepped on the brakes or the brakes seized."

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and the rudder.

A Federal Aviation Administration inspector’s postaccident examination of the brake system revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's improper brake application during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose-over. 

Findings

Aircraft
Brake - Incorrect use/operation (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-landing roll
Abnormal runway contact

Nose over/nose down (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 70, Male
Airplane Rating(s):  Multi-engine Land; Multi-engine Sea; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Lap Only
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/28/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 04/10/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 4800 hours (Total, all aircraft), 4 hours (Total, this make and model), 4800 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N1902V
Model/Series: 140 Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1947
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 14093
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1450 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4333.5 Hours
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: C85
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 104 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KSTS, 114 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1753 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 155°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  9 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Light and Variable /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: Variable
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 29.99 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 21°C / 12°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: Moderate - Smoke; No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Healdsburg, CA (HES)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Healdsburg, CA (HES)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1045 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Healdsburg Muni (HES)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 280 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 13
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2652 ft / 60 ft
VFR Approach/Landing:  Stop and Go; Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire:  None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion:  None
Total Injuries:  2 None
Latitude, Longitude:  38.652778, -122.898611 (est)

Runway Excursion: Air Tractor AT-502A, N254LA, accident occurred July 26, 2018 at O'Brien Flying Service Airport (LA71), Iowa, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

http://registry.faa.gov/N254LA

Location: Iowa, LA
Accident Number: GAA18CA447
Date & Time: 07/26/2018, 1130 CDT
Registration: N254LA
Aircraft: Air Tractor AT502
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Runway excursion
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural 

Analysis 

According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped, restricted-category airplane, he had performed an agricultural flight and was landing to take on another load. He made a three-point landing with full flaps and closed the throttle. He stated that, during the landing roll, the airplane "turned violently to the right and got very light on the gear." The airplane’s nose had turned 45° right of the runway centerline, so he applied left brake and left rudder and then he added power. As the power increased, the airplane rolled left. The left wing struck the ground, and the pilot pulled the throttle to idle and then he applied reverse thrust and full brakes. However, the airplane exited the runway and collided with a drainage culvert.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar and aileron.

The pilot reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was light and variable, but dust devils were present. Additionally, he reported that the accident could have been prevented by landing at a higher airspeed to keep airflow over the rudder and by minimizing the engine thrust.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. 

Findings

Aircraft
Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Object/animal/substance - Contributed to outcome

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-landing roll
Loss of control on ground
Attempted remediation/recovery
Runway excursion (Defining event)

Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 53, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Single
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 5-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/29/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 04/20/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 21639 hours (Total, all aircraft), 965 hours (Total, this make and model), 21502 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 310 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 105 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 6 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Air Tractor
Registration: N254LA
Model/Series: AT502 A
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2016
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted
Serial Number: 502A-3054
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 1
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 02/20/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.:  10480 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Shaft
Airframe Total Time: 965 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer:  Pratt & Whitney
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: PT6A-140AG
Registered Owner: Obrien's Flying Service Inc
Rated Power: 867 hp
Operator: Obrien's Flying Service Inc
Operating Certificate(s) Held:  Agricultural Aircraft (137)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KCWF, 17 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 7 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1648 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 263°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.01 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 32°C / 20°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Iowa, LA (LA71)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Iowa, LA (LA71)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1045 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: O'Brien Flying Service (LA71)
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 26 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 03
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3800 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 30.224444, -93.000278 (est)

Loss of Control on Ground: Van's Aircraft RV-7A, , N20342; accident occurred July 24, 2018 at Princeton Municipal Airport (KPNM), Mille Lacs County, Minnesota

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Minneapolis, Minnesota

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms


http://registry.faa.gov/N20342


Location: Princeton, MN
Accident Number: CEN18LA295
Date & Time: 07/24/2018, 1456 CDT
Registration: N20342
Aircraft: Vans RV7A
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 2 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis 

The private pilot was conducting a personal cross-country flight and decided to stop at an intermediate airport to refuel the airplane. When the airplane touched down, it swerved left, exited the side of the runway, struck a runway edge light, and then nosed over in soft terrain.

Examination of the runway revealed that a long black line, which extended from the centerline to where the runway edge light was struck, was imprinted in the pavement. It is likely that the imprint was created by the chine that was pronounced on both sides of the tire. These ground signatures indicate that the nosewheel tire was likely flat upon touchdown, which led to the pilot’s inability to maintain directional control upon landing. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
A flat nosewheel tire, which resulted in the pilot’s inability to maintain directional control on landing.

Findings

Aircraft
Tire casing - Failure (Cause)
Directional control - Attain/maintain not possible (Cause)

Environmental issues
Wet/muddy terrain - Effect on equipment
Runway/taxi/approach light - Contributed to outcome


Factual Information

On July 24, 2018, about 1456 central daylight time (cdt), a Schmidt Vans RV7A, N20342, nosed over during landing at Princeton Municipal Airport (PNM), Princeton, Minnesota. The pilot and passenger were seriously injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated from Mercer County Regional Airport (HZE), Hazen, North Dakota, and was destined for Wittman Regional Airport (OSH), Oshkosh Wisconsin, but diverted to PNM.

The pilot and his son departed Schmidt Ranch Airport (1WN0), Northport, Washington, at 0515 Pacific daylight time, and flew to Hazen (HZE), North Dakota, and refueled. They departed HZE at 1315 cdt en route to OSH. They decided to stop in PNM for fuel. The winds were gusty. The approach to PNM was normal. When they touched down, the airplane swerved to the left, departed the runway onto soft soil, and nosed over. In his accident report, the pilot said the nose tire blew out on landing and caused the airplane to exit the runway.

In an e-mail from the FAA inspector who examined the airplane, he felt that, based on ground signatures and the fact the airplane did not have a steerable nose wheel, the nose tire was flat on touchdown. He wrote: "There was a distinct long black line imprinted in the pavement from the centerline where he landed right over to the impacted runway light. The line was created by the chine that was pronounced on each side of this brand of tire. It was a gentle curve to the left off the runway with no swerving. The tire got a set in it (the sidewalls were stiffer when the flat tire was depressed with my fingers), and gentle differential braking did not affect it at all. The tire would not even roll well in the grass alongside the runway."

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 77, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present:
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 04/26/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  5200 hours (Total, all aircraft), 886 hours (Total, this make and model), 5200 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Vans
Registration: N20342
Model/Series: RV7A
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2003
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 70204
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/07/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1800 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 872 Hours
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-360-A1A
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PNM, 980 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1456 CDT
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 9 knots / 14 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 260°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.07 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C / 14°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Hazen, ND (HZE)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Princeton, MN (PNM)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1315 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Princeton Municipal (PNM)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 980 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 33
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3900 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 45.559722, -93.608333 (est)

Runway Excursion: Viking Waiex, N49YX; accident occurred July 20, 2018 at Kinsley Municipal Airport (33K), Edwards County, Kansas

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Wichita, Kansas

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

http://registry.faa.gov/N49YX

Location: Kinsey, KS
Accident Number: GAA18CA439
Date & Time: 07/20/2018, 1530 CDT
Registration: N49YX
Aircraft: WAYNE D. TEEL Waiex
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Runway excursion
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

According to the pilot, the tailwheel-equipped airplane encountered a strong crosswind gust from the left during the landing roll. The airplane turned left into the wind and then exited the left side of the runway. The airplane collided with cornstalks and came to rest in a drainage culvert.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing spar.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

An automated weather observation station located about 23 miles from accident site reported, about 26 minutes before the accident, wind from 100° at 16 knots, gusting to 20 knots. The airplane landed on runway 18. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting crosswind conditions. 

Findings

Aircraft
Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Gusts - Effect on operation (Cause)
Crosswind - Effect on operation (Cause)
Object/animal/substance - Contributed to outcome

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Other weather encounter
Runway excursion (Defining event)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 60, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 10/11/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 12/26/2016
Flight Time:   (Estimated) 459 hours (Total, all aircraft), 43 hours (Total, this make and model), 307 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 26 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 17 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: WAYNE D. TEEL
Registration: N49YX
Model/Series: Waiex
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2008
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: W0049
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/01/2018, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1250 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 219 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: VIKING AIRCRAFT ENGINES
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: HF-110
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 110 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KLQR, 2011 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 23 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2056 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 40°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 16 knots / 20 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 100°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 29.89 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 36°C / 22°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Kinsey, KS (33K)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Kinsey, KS (33K)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1400 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Kinsley Muni (33K)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 2171 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 18
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3290 ft / 56 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude:  37.908889, -99.403056 (est)